'Emerald Tour' ready to sparkle

Celtic Woman to perform at CAC

May 15, 2014

Williamsport will have the opportunity for a taste of Irish culture when Celtic Woman performs, starting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, at the Community Arts Center, 220 W. Fourth St.

The "global music phenomenon," an all-female Irish musical ensemble, makes the stop in Williamsport as part of their "Emerald Tour."

Although the group name indicates a singular performer, Celtic Woman actually is a group of five female vocalists. The name comes from the desire to represent the "essence of a Celtic female performer."

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The lineup, since its 2004 inception, has changed over the years.

Appearing at the Community Arts Center will be Mairead Carlin, Lynn Hilary, Susan McFadden and Mairead Nesbitt, who all call the Emerald Isle home. Group member Lisa Lambe is taking personal time off and plans to return to the group at the end of the year, according to the group's public relations official, Renee Pfefer.

Lynn Hilary, a temporary group member, recently chatted with the Sun-Gazette about the upcoming performance.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, she is a guitarist and songwriter as well as a vocalist. She trained as a classical soprano at DIT College of Music, Dublin. She was a member of Celtic Woman from 2007-2010, and "returns for a limited run of shows in 2014," according to a press release.

Hilary said it's important to preserve Irish heritage, especially through the traditional song and dance, for a variety of reasons.

"Irish heritage in particular has such a rich history and it's connected with all sorts of other histories," she said.

"It's a time to celebrate the heritage, Irish mythology and stories (that span) thousands of years."

Celtic Woman was formed by Sharon Browne and David Downes, a former musical director of the Irish stage show "Riverdance."

The group executes a lively performance that serves as an homage to Irish heritage, with their harmonious voices paired with fiddles, bagpipes and barefoot prancing across the stage.

Hilary calls it a very high-energy show, featuring "world champion Irish male dancers" who "steal the show a lot actually," she said.

She also said there are amazing costumes and little stories embedded into the song and dance, all a homage to Irish heritage.

Celtic Woman has only toured the United States three times, but Hilary said she enjoys how nice Americans are.

Hilary has been to the United States on several other occasions, however, as the lead vocalist for the "Riverdance." She sung to six consecutive full houses at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

According to a press release from the group, their album "Emerald: Musical Gems" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard World Music Charts, holding the top position for six consecutive weeks.

The group recently performed on the "Today Show" as well as have made several other television appearances.

"Celtic Woman's elaborate new show spotlights reimagined performances of fan favorites from the group's treasure chest of Celtic songs," according to a press release.

The group also will perform new interpretations of songs like "Amazing Grace" and "You Raise Me Up."

In addition to performing in Williamsport, the group has other Pennsylvania stops, including Lancaster and Pittsburgh.

For ticket information about the Community Arts Center show, visit caclive.com. For information about Celtic Woman, visit celticwoman.com.

"This Celtic Woman experience will soothe the soul and have you dancing in the aisles," Downes, the show's creator, said in a press release.